Alheit Vineyards Cartology Bush Vines 2019

Displaying a golden hay color, the 2018 Cartology Bush Vines is a blend of 90% Chenin Blanc and 10% Sémillon. The wine opens with an expressive and bountiful nose with waxy citrus and nutty tones that give way to an undercurrent of minerality with a persistent dusty essence in the glass. Medium to full-bodied, the wine explodes on the palate with elements of smoke, lees and beeswax before giving way to hints of oak with flavors of marzipan, almond butter and dusty peach skin. The frame is held together by a tight structure with lifting acidity, moderate alcohol and a touch of phenolic bitterness that gives the mid-palate some complexity and weight. The wine continues to evolve in the mouth on the long, drawn-out finish long after it has left the palate. This is a beautiful, age-worthy wine that has mineral tension and is perfect for food.

Mouthfilling, but still a bit tight, featuring cardamom details flirting with yellow apple and honeysuckle notes. Very nuanced, with electric acidity and savory minerality that give this energy and focus. The mouthwatering finish is marked by details of quinine and verbena. Should develop nicely. Chenin Blanc and Sémillon. Best from 2021 through 2027.

At first, this is shy and reserved on the nose, with faint scents of white melon, lemon pith, honeysuckle and orange blossom. The palate offers a bit more expression, with ginger-orange tea, fresh hay and melon rind flavors that are braced up by tart, orange-laced acidity that invigorates the palate and carries through to the close. Best after 2021.